Dumbbell Guide – What Type of Dumbbells Should You Choose?

Do You Have the Space for Excess?

The main advantage of a full set of fixed dumbbells is that the weights are always there and ready for you. And it can make it easier to do super sets and train with friends and family. Also, a full set of fixed dumbbells just looks badass.

The main downside to fixed dumbbells is the required space. Depending on your needs they can easily take up 1,5 to 2 meters of wall space. Another somewhat small advantage is that fixed dumbbells are easier to pick up. Whereas adjustable dumbbells will always require you to lift the dumbbells higher up in order to clear the craddle and adder weights. This can become a nuissance over time.

Not exactly space saving. But such a luxury to have.

Adjustable Dumbbells are Cheaper, Right?

Previously price also used to be a big downside. And it still can be if you compare them to adjustable dumbbells in the 600 to 700 Euro range (Snode, Nüobell, Powerblock, Quick Draws). But it seems that adjustable dumbbells in generel have increased more in price over the last 5 years compared to fixed dumbbells.

I can now get a dumbbell set from 7,5 to 30 kg in 2,5 kg increments including a storage rack for 1200 Euros. Which is almost the exact same price as a pair of 32,5 kg REP x Peppins (prices in Denmark). This also reflects the fact that the quality of adjustable dumbells has become much better in the last 5 to 10 years due to increased demand and competition.

Five to ten years ago adjustable dumbbells would almost always require you to compromise on the feeling in use. They just weren’t as good as true fixed dumbells (apart from Iron Masters). But today many people actually prefer the feeling of their Snode, REP x Peppins etc.

The Peppin Fast Series revolutionized adjustable dumbells in terms of feel, ease of use and quality. But they also ushered in a new pirce point for adjustable dumbells. They later collaborated with REP to meet increased demands and bring down the price.

How Do You Train?

⁣If bodybuilding or generel strength training is your thing. And you don’t have a lot of space. You should definitely go with adjustable dumbbells. Make sure you consider something that fits your strength level or is expandable as you get stronger. However if dumbbells constitute a large part of your training AND you have the space, I would 100% go for a full set of fixed dumbbells.

If functional fitness is your thing and you mainly use dumbbells for metcons, you should just buy a few pairs of hexagon rubber dumbells at the weights that you will need most often. If you then also utilize dumbbells in more traditional strength training, you can supplement with a set of adjustable dumbbells. This is what I’ve done. Yet, if I had the space I would still prefer a full set of fixed dumbbells.

All Hexagon Rubber Dumbbells are Equal

Two final tips. To my knowledge most hexagon rubber dumbbells are made in a few megafactories in Asia. Partly, because work-enviroment laws makes it much more feasible to produce them outside of Europe. Therefore, the brand stamped on the dumbbells is the only difference between different brands of hexagon dumbbells. So if you are looking for hexagon dumbbells, just buy the cheapest.

Lastly, everytime I receive rubber equipment (mats, bumpers, dumbbells etc.) I wipe them down with soap and water and leave them out in the sun for a day or two. This greatly reduces any odour and removes the greezy film on the rubber surfaces.

Your hexagon dumbbells are not made in europe. Photo via Alibaba.com.